Does anybody have figures on the direct operating cost of an Eclipse versus something with a PT6 on the front?
- 50hr check / 50
- Engine overhaul / engine TBO
- HSI cost / HSI interval
- Fuel
Unless the Eclipse uses engines with an amazingly low maintenance cost, the operating cost will dwarf the purchase price pretty quick.
I think this is the argument for operating an old piston twin. Most of them are real old dogs nowadays but one could buy an old pressurised dog and refurbish it to a high standard, and end up with a plane with a similar mission capability to a Jetprop / Meridian but with about half the total acquisition cost and probably a similar or smaller DOC.
I hope the Epic succeeds. It's got the backing of an extremely wealthy Indian man so money should not be an issue.